Milan Milan removing softball field to improve park usage

A softball field at Wilson Park will be removed in hopes of offering better park usage in the future.

At its March 28 meeting, the Milan City Council approved the removal of the softball field. According to City Administrator Ben Swayze, it is something the city has talked about for some time.

"With the waning popularity of adult softball, the city has found we have excess fields in the city. The removal of the softball field in Wilson Park will allow for the expansion of the football/soccer field in Wilson Park," he explained.

The removal also will allow the city to move its Junior Tackle football program from Milan Area Schools to Wilson Park.

"The field usage will also allow for better park usage plans for our major events, such as the Relay for Life, Milan Fair and Backstreet Cruizers Car Show," he added.

The removal will begin this week and the area will be sodded by April 15, weather permitting.

In other matters, the city council passed the Milan Area Fire Department (MAFD) budget. Since Milan is part of a multi-jurisdictional fire department, MAFD proposes a budget that the four participating municipalities then approve individually. Afterward, the MAFD formally adopts the measure.

Milan is one of four governmental units that make up the fire department, which also includes London Township, Milan Township and York Township.

The city's total estimated cost for the 2011-12 budget is $110,932, a decrease of 3.7 percent, plus fire runs within the city.

Summerfield Township

High school announces Boys, Girls State winners

Summerfield High School juniors Jakob Boss and Olivia Walters have been selected as the 2011 recipients of the Boys State and Girls State Awards.

The faculty selects the students based on character, leadership, service and academic achievement.

• Jakob is the son of Pete and Janel Boss.

He played golf for two years and received the scholar-athlete award. He also is on the varsity track and field team.

Jakob serves as treasurer of his class and is a member of the National Honor Society. He has been an honor roll student for three years, achieved perfect attendance and received various academic awards.

He is a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity.

• Olivia is the daughter of Keith and Lisa Walters.

She played volleyball and basketball and received the Coach's Award and Sportsmanship Award, in addition to being a scholar-athlete.

Olivia has served as vice president of her class and is a member of the National Honor Society. She received the Hugh O'Brian Award and was named Student of the Month and an Academic All-Star. She received various academic honors and achieved perfect attendance.

Olivia has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Summerfield Athletic Boosters and girl's basketball clinics, among other activities.

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